Aug 11 (DM) URF leader Champika Ranawaka, speaks on the way forward for SL in the midst of U.S. reciprocal tariffs, the perceived moves by the govt and its silence on major corruption issues. Q: The reduction of U.S. tariffs on SL goods is seen as an achievement by the govt. Do you recognize it? A: It is a kind of an achievement because SL is on a competitive footing with the countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia and India as well. But there is a hitch. more..

Aug 11 (Island) An Executive Order signed by US Prez Donald Trump on Wednesday, imposing an additional 25% tariff on India for importing oil from Russia, has sent the Indian exporters reeling. Trump, in his wisdom, thinks that oil imports from Russia, whether direct or through intermediaries, present an unusual and extraordinary threat to the US and therefore justify emergency economic measures. He may have expected India to plead for relief, just like other countries, but more..

Aug 11 (DM) Among the various responses to the govt’s move to scrap pension and other perks provided to the former Presidents and MPs, the reaction of Nandana Gunathilaka, former provincial council member and MP of the JVP has gone viral. Gunathilaka, a former companion of many leaders of the current JVP led NPP govt and the JVP’s candidate for the 1999 Prez election, had threatened in a Facebook post to launch a suicide attack in case the govt goes ahead with its plan to abolish MP pensions. more..

Aug 10 (ST) It may have started off with some gentle humour at the Opposition’s expense, but there was no mistaking the message Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake had for opposition parties when he addressed Parliament on Thursday—Do not destabilise the govt’s efforts. Parliament on Thursday debated an adjournment motion on the Current Economy of the Country. Prez, as he has done on several previous occasions during more..

Aug 10 (TM) Following the revelation that incorrect statistics had been provided to PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya regarding the controversial SupremeSAT satellite project launched by former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Rohitha Rajapaksa, top Govt officials are currently discussing possible actions against the official responsible for supplying the allegedly misleading information. Under the Establishments Code, the official who had allegedly misled PM could face disciplinary measures, more..

Aug 10 (ST) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake two overseas tours in September, one to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA) sessions in New York, followed by a state visit to Japan. Prez will leave for the US on Sept 23 and is due to address the UNGA on the 24th, Minister Vijitha Herath said. In his address to the UNGA, the Prez will outline his govt policies, including its foreign policy. The Prez will also meet with several other world leaders on the sidelines of the UNGA, more..

Aug 10 (ST) A committee appointed to analyse financial claims from the Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC), contractor of the long-delayed Central Expressway Part 1 (CEP1) from Kadawatha to Mirigama, has recommended settling its multibillion-rupee payments and negotiating with the same party to complete the remainder of the road. The report was finalised and handed over this week. The Highways Ministry appointed more..

Aug 10 (AD) Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the true facts regarding the SupremeSAT satellite project will be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation. He noted that if the project had generated significant income for the country, it would be difficult to believe that the relevant parties would have remained silent until now. The Minister made these remarks while responding to questions from journalists following a ceremony held in Colombo today (9). more..

Aug 10 (TM) The GMOA warns that it will launch islandwide trade union action tomorrow (11) if the Health Ministry continues to fall short in resolving issues surrounding unlawful doctor transfers and appointment lists. GMOA Media Spokesman emphasised the clear violation of rules and regulations by the Ministry of Health with regard to the process of doctor transfers as a whole, highlighting the importance of adhering to the Establishments Code’s set guideline in more..

Aug 10 (TM) A Govt plan to import 2,000 double cabs for State institutions is currently only a proposal that will be included in the 2026 Budget, according to Treasury Deputy Secretary Ananda Seneviratne. Speaking on the matter, Seneviratne confirmed that while a proposal existed, it was not an immediate plan. “This is only a proposal at this time, and it will be included in the Budget for 2026, so it will not be implemented immediately,” he stated. The plan was yet to receive Cabinet or Treasury approval, more..

Aug 10 (AD) Sri Lanka expressed deep concern over the decision by Israel to seize control of Gaza, which it said will lead to further escalation of violence and suffering for the people of Gaza. Sri Lanka calls for an immediate ceasefire and urges all parties to resolve their differences through diplomatic dialogue in order to establish sustainable peace, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a brief statement. Yesterday (8), the Israeli security cabinet approved PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan more..

Aug 10 (TM) Samples of US-origin West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil are currently being tested in SL’s laboratories as part of plans to include it in future petroleum import tenders. Once approved, WTI will join Murban crude oil as a key option for the country’s fuel supply. In the meantime, it is also learnt that discussions between SL and the US have commenced and are ongoing as both countries work to address trade issues more..

Aug 10 (ST) Widespread investor participation and strong retail activity are pushing the Colombo stock market Indices up, analysts say. This year, with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) launching its central counterparty system, as well as the strong governance aspects in the market, foreign investors are very positive about the SL share market, analysts noted. While there is currently a foreign outflow and low foreign investor participation in the market, they said that setting the stage more..

Aug 10 (AD) The 2025 Grade 5 Scholarship Exam is scheduled to be held today (10). Commissioner General of Examinations A.K.S. Indika Kumari, stated that the exam will commence at 9:30 am, and candidates must arrive at their respective centres by 8:30 am All candidates should be seated in the exam hall by 9 am. She explained that the second question paper will be administered first, starting at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 10:45 am, followed by a 30-minute break. more..

Aug 10 (ST) SL’s tourism sector, which has been recovering in 2025, is struck by another crisis as tensions between the govt and foreign online travel agents like Booking.com escalate. Market players warn that the country is facing a potential blackout of SL listings on major booking sites due to regulatory hurdles and the govt’s aspiration for a state-sponsored rival. Minister of Tourism Vijitha Herath has blamed online sites such as more..

Aug 10 (DM) Elephant deaths in SL are climbing at an alarming rate, with new figures showing dozens killed in just the first seven months of this year. Dept of Wildlife Conservation says 44 elephants have already been shot dead in 2025, showing that the deadly trend of gunfire killings is far from over. Last year, 84 elephants were killed by gunfire, underscoring the ongoing human-elephant conflict and the impact of illegal hunting. A total of 248 elephants died in 2024 from various causes. more..

Aug 10 (ST) Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is considering initiating disciplinary action against about 30 magistrates and district judges following complaints and allegations against them. During the past week, the JSC interdicted five judges. They include District Judge for Moratuwa, Thilina Gamage, and Monaragala Additional District Judge Ranjani Gamage. The other three interdicted judges were recent recruits to the judicial service. One of them had reportedly contested elections and more..

Aug 10 (CT) Approximately 70 political parties have applied for new registration, according to Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake. Ratnayake said that nearly half of the submitted applications were incomplete, with key details missing. He added that applications with all required information would undergo document verification, after which applicants would be called for interviews. Meanwhile, the Commissioner General noted that disputes regarding the general secretaries more..

Aug 10 (AM) The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has initiated action to arrest Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera in connection with the alleged abduction of Ven. Wedinigama Wimalatissa Thera, the General Secretary of the Ape Janabala Party, in 2020. The abduction was allegedly carried out to prevent him from being appointed to the party’s National List MP position. CCD officers visited Sandaham Sewana in Rajagiriya, where Rathana Thera is based, on the night of 7 August. more..

Aug 10 (PMD) The national celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which falls today (9), was held this morning at Indigenous Museum premises, Dambana under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. SL’s foremost indigenous leader, Vishwa Keerthi Vanaspathi Uruwarige Vannila Aththo, initiated the tradition of celebrating World’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Sri Lanka more..

Aug 10 (SO) The construction sector which has shown some signs of recovery after a long downturn has brought hope and optimism to firms which have been looking forward to new projects to keep them afloat. Construction activities in June this year expanded recording a value of Rs. 58.6 billion during the month according to the Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction. Construction firms attributed the growth to favourable industry conditions, particularly exhibited by the steady increase more..

Aug 10 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who visited Kandy to attend the concluding ceremony of the annual Esala Perahera festival of the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa, called on the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiri Chapters this afternoon (09) and received their blessings. Prez first visited the Malwathu Maha Vihara, where he met with the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Malwatte Chapter and engaged in a brief more..

Aug 10 (ST) Hot on the heels of the US tariffs, Govt is spearheading moves towards the implementation of labour law reforms that trade unions fear could result in easy hiring and firing amid other key changes. Cabinet this week approved the implementation of the labour law reforms for which the Labour Ministry will now convene a committee on how to proceed, Labour Secretary S.M. Piyatissa said. The committee will be called on to draft the new regulations, he said but asserted that more..

Aug 10 (CT) This marks the 261st day since the NPP Govt assumed office. The first session of the current tenth Parliament commenced at 10 a.m. on 21 Nov 2024. Since then, the entire country has remained watchful, sometimes silent, sometimes scathing. The sheer volume of memes mocking the Executive President’s attire during a recent diplomatic trip is telling. Yet more compelling are the reels and stories circulating on social media that highlight the glaring contradictions between more..

Aug 10 (TM) It’s no secret that owning a car in SL is becoming harder by the year. What was once considered a practical need, especially for families, young professionals, or anyone living outside the city, is now increasingly out of reach for most people. The problem is the layers of taxes stacked on top that often cost more than the vehicle itself. For many, a car is now something to aspire to, not necessarily because they want the luxury, more..

Aug 10 (ST) SL Under-20 booked their place in the Cup semi-finals of the Men’s Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2025 with a flawless run in the group stage, defeating Hong Kong China, India and UAE in an impressive performance. Competing in Pool A at the tournament in Bihar, India, the young Tuskers topped the standings with three wins from three matches and will face the Group B runner-up in their semi-final clash today. Their campaign began with a nail-biting 24-19 victory over Hong Kong more..

Aug 10 (DM) Sri Lanka’s elephants are more than majestic creatures; they are living symbols of our heritage, biodiversity, and the deep spiritual and cultural ties we share with the natural world. Yet today, elephants face one of their gravest threats, not from nature, but from us. The recent surge in elephant killings in SL has reignited concern over the country’s deepening human-elephant conflict (HEC). While mitigating HEC is crucial, the national focus on this issue has overshadowed more..

Aug 10 (CT) SL, the island nation known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, boasts a mesmerising blend of stunning beaches, lush mountains, ancient heritage sites, and a rich tapestry of cultures. Traditionally, these attractions were promoted through brochures, TV commercials, and int'l travel expos. However, in the rapidly evolving digital age, the dynamics of tourism marketing have undergone a dramatic shift. A new, dynamic form of promotion has emerged — influencer marketing — more..

Aug 10 (ST) My dear Deshabindu, It has been a while since I wrote to you last. I’m not even sure whether you got that letter because you were on the run at that time, a fugitive being hunted by the force that you once commanded. Now, matters have come to a conclusion: Anura sahodaraya stripped you from your top post last week. If you are having unkind thoughts about the maalimaawa chaps for your fate, you should be thankful to them too. In a week where your misdeeds would have otherwise more..

Aug 10 (ST) The recent disclosure that those with political connections have been granted govt scholarships has resulted in denials and counter-allegations. Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, who was a former Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs, Vice Chancellor of Sri J'pura University and Ambassador to China, has issued a statement in response to allegations that his daughter I.N. Kodithuwakku received money for her more..

Aug 10 (TM) Power has a strange way of altering political DNA. Those who once fought with righteous indignation against a system often find themselves defending, even celebrating, that very system once they inherit its reins. In Sri Lanka, the clearest example of this paradox is the metamorphosis of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a party that rose from Marxist socialist roots, denouncing global capitalism and vowing to dismantle the exploitative open economy. more..

Aug 10 (CT) Trump’s global tariff turmoil has produced more than a ripple of political success for the NPP govt in SL. Govt has been congratulated across the political spectrum for pulling off a competitively favourable tariff arrangement with the US. Apart from the nakedly tongue-in-cheek calls for more transparency, no one is questioning the accomplished success of the govt on the Trump-Tariff file. Everyone involved would seem to have played their part quietly and competently. more..